Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro will have surgery Tuesday to repair a sports hernia. His season is likely over.
According to Newsday’s Arthur Staple, the “best-case scenario” is that DiPietro is back by the beginning of the April. Given the Isles are last in the Eastern Conference and 10 points out of a playoff spot, well, you do the math.
DiPietro’s appeared in just eight games this season, compiling a 3-2-3 record with a 3.73 goals-against average and .876 save percentage. Over his last four injury-ravaged seasons, he’s made just 47 appearances for the Islanders.
Despite yet another setback in a once-promising career, the former first overall pick, now 30 years old, told Newsday he has no plans to retire.
“Nothing like that has even crossed my mind,” DiPietro said. “I know I can play.”
DiPietro is signed until the end of 2020-21. His cap hit is $4.5 million.
